Deadline: August 10, 2023
Applications are open for the Youth Interfaith Leaders Fellowship on Climate Change 2023. Faith For Our Planet, in partnership with Duke University’s prestigious Divinity School, has launched an exciting new program for climate conscious youth leaders from around the world. Whether you are a religious leader, a climate activist, an early career professional in a faith-based organization or a recent graduate who’s just starting out – as long as you’re eager to learn how to mobilize faith communities to combat climate change, we’ve got you covered.
About the Fellowship
The fellowship is a fully funded, week-long residential program at Duke University for the next generation of faith leaders. This is an invaluable opportunity for young climate conscious individuals from all faiths and walks of life to become a part of a global network of religious actors engaged in climate action.
Through expert lectures, interactive sessions, policy dialogues, and vocational training, fellows will explore various themes and tap into transferable skills to curate impactful faith-based climate action projects for their respective communities. The curriculum will be delivered by distinguished specialists in the field of theology, climate change, policy, media, and sustainable development.
As part of the program, fellows will benefit from knowledge on:
- The interplay between religious beliefs, environmental consciousness and climate action
- Systems thinking: Identifying the political and economic paradigms of climate change
- Project planning and community mobilization
- Strategic communications
- Climate advocacy and community outreach
Upon completion of the program, the Fellows will join the ranks of the FFOP Fellowship Alumni Association, providing them with various opportunities to be part of FFOP’s regional events, as well as climate and interfaith campaigns.
Cost
- All travel, visa, accommodation, and subsistence costs will be provided by Faith For Our Planet.
Eligibility
The fellowship seeks to attract 25 individuals, between the ages of 20 to 30. They hope to maintain an inclusive and diverse cohort with representation from major faiths, learners of eco-theology, environmental and community activists, early career professionals eager to deepen their knowledge of faith and environmental protection, members of FBOs and NGOs working in the field of climate change & ecology are all welcomed.
Participants entering the program should fulfill the following eligibility criteria:
- Be between the ages of 20 to 30 (required);
- Have acquired or be currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program (be at least in the 3rd year of their degree program);
- A degree in environment, religious studies, philosophy, or any number of relevant fields is preferred. Equally, relevant work experience (paid, volunteer, internships, etc.) are also considered;
- An established local network (social, professional, religious, etc.) or willingness to mobilize accessible local network;
- A keen interest in learning about the interplay of religious beliefs and environmental stewardship;
- Commitment to lead a faith-based climate action project;
- Good communication skills and a fluency in English;
- A strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and interfaith cooperation.
Participant Expectations
The fellowship seeks to support proactive leaders and agents of change. As such, participants are expected to:
- Commit their time for the entire duration of the fellowship including any pre or post fellowship sessions.
- Commit to FFOP Youth Alumni Association’s engagements and events.
- Commit to working on a 3-month project focused on making a positive impact at a local, national, and/or international level. The project should leverage insights gained during the fellowship on (inter)faith-based climate action.
- Demonstrate eagerness to learn and expand their professional networks and to benefit from exposure during the fellowship.
- Demonstrate commitment to become leaders in their communities.
Application
All nominating agencies and prospective candidates must fill out the application form. Your application and profile will be assessed by a panel of Faith For Our Planet Program Coordinators. Besides assessing candidates’ eligibility for the program, the online application contains questions on their skills, motivation and relevant academic, professional, volunteer and leadership experience.
If successful, applicants will be contacted for an online interview and expected to submit their reference letter(s) within 7 days of getting shortlisted. Only the candidates who succeed in both our application and interview process, will be notified of their selection via email.
For more information, visit Youth Interfaith Leaders Fellowship.
